Trained as much as a could over the last ten years or so; 4-6 days a week weight training, amateur cycling, sprinkle with a 5k here, marathon there(in descending preference and prevalence). Weight training has always been something similar to starting strength or PPL(keeping squats, dl and press ever present). Also, I recently started squatting with a belt which has significantly improved my confidence and stability through my movement; however, I don’t use it for DL. For a little more background, my BMI is about 24 at 6’2". Sometimes my diet runs my life, other times I am more reasonable. Additionally, I’ve been quite strict on maintaining proper form, always trying to avoid the next injury. My totals are slightly biased towards the press since I am really just hesitant in overloading my back.
My injury cycle goes something like, 9-16 months of solid training with linear into tapering gains, followed by back pain. Over time I have learned to manage the pain better and my period of near-disabling pain has generally been shortened. In the past, injury has left me unable to walk normally leaving me with a significant bias in my spine and only short trips from bed to restroom. After 1-2 days of that, I can manage longer walks but still with bias in posture. Bias in walking normally subsides by 1 month and normal daily routines(vacuuming, yard work, etc) are resumed. Weight training then resumes as soon as I feel comfortable. This sciatica symptom is new to me though, and this kind of thing is a real drag at this point.
I am going to a brain and spine specialist this Tuesday. Not exactly sure what to expect. The two things I don’t want from the specialist: 1. Telling me to stop weight training 2. Sending me home with some generic physical therapy worksheet. Outside of the history above, I am fortunate enough to be very healthy. The downside to that is I am also inexperienced with dealing with the medical system, finding a dr who isn’t “on rails” and I am quite apprehensive (more pessimistic perhaps) about the whole thing.
Hopefully there is some useful info in the above ranting.
Update for my visit mentioned above: Based on reflex testing, I may have some nerve compression(I think this was the word used). MRI is ordered and I was given a prescription for a longer acting NSAID for pain management. Dr suggested I resume activities (including lifting) so long as it does not exacerbate pain/sciatica symptoms. MRI should happen within another week and analysis should follow shortly. He answered most of my questions with information akin to what Barbell Medicine materials I have seen on this topic. I’ll post another update once the MRI is done.
I did have a question I had forgot to ask, what is the general consensus on adding chiropractic care to the recovery period? Is this considered a worthwhile expense in terms of time/money? Additionally, does anyone have tips on weeding out the “spa treatment” chiropractors from the “nuts-and-bolts” care. I get a slimy feeling when I see these chiropractor facilities that remind me of a resort spa(like… want a wheatgrass shot while you fill out your paperwork? no, I dont)